TL;DR: Potty humor isn't just "brain rot"—it’s actually a major literacy gateway. With the new Captain Underpants: The First Epic Manga dropping this April and the chaotic The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants streaming on Netflix, Dav Pilkey’s universe is the ultimate tool for hooking reluctant readers.
If your kid is currently obsessed with "Skibidi Toilet" or calls everything "Ohio" (don't ask, just accept it's the new "weird"), this is the high-quality version of that same energy.
If you’ve been living under a rock (or just avoiding the graphic novel aisle), Captain Underpants is the legendary series about two fourth-graders, George and Harold, who hypnotize their mean principal into thinking he’s a superhero who fights crime in his drawers.
But it’s 2026, and the franchise is having a massive "glow-up." We aren't just looking at the original chapter books anymore. We’ve got:
- The Manga Reboot: Captain Underpants: The First Epic Manga (releasing April 7, 2026) is a full-color, high-energy reimagining illustrated by Japanese artist Motojiro. It reads left-to-right (Western style) but brings that dynamic, fast-paced manga "shonen" energy that kids are currently obsessed with.
- The Netflix Series: The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants has been carrying the torch for years with its meta-humor and "Flip-o-Rama" segments.
- The Spin-offs: You can't talk about the Captain without mentioning Dog Man and Cat Kid Comic Club, which have basically taken over elementary school libraries.
Ask our chatbot for a full list of Dav Pilkey's books in order
I get it. You see a giant toilet on a book cover and you want to roll your eyes into the back of your head. But there’s a reason Dav Pilkey is a hero to teachers and librarians.
1. The Literacy Gateway
For a kid who finds a wall of text intimidating, the Captain Underpants books are a godsend. They are heavily illustrated, fast-paced, and—most importantly—genuinely funny to a 7-year-old. It’s the "first hit" of reading success that leads them to more complex stuff later.
2. Creative Agency
George and Harold aren't just pranksters; they are creators. They spend their time in a treehouse writing and drawing their own comics. This inspires kids to stop just consuming media and start making it. If your kid starts drawing their own "Flip-o-Ramas," that’s a win for fine motor skills and storytelling.
3. Developmental "Forbidden" Humor
Between the ages of 6 and 9, bathroom humor is peak comedy. It’s about testing boundaries and seeing what makes adults squirm. By leaning into it with Captain Underpants, you’re showing them you "get it," which makes you a trusted co-pilot in their digital and literary lives rather than the "humor police."
Learn more about why kids find potty humor so funny
Ages 7+ This is the big one for 2026. If your kid is into Pokemon or Naruto, they will love the "action-panel" style of this reboot. It’s the same story we know, but it feels fresh and modern. It’s perfect for the kid who thinks the original books look "too babyish."
Ages 6-11 This show is chaotic, loud, and weirdly smart. It breaks the fourth wall constantly and uses different animation styles (claymation, puppets, 2D). It’s basically a masterclass in creative storytelling disguised as a show about a guy in his underwear. Pro-tip: It’s way better than most of the "zombie-mode" YouTube content out there.
Ages 6+ If you haven’t seen the 2017 movie, it’s actually a delight. It captures the heart of George and Harold’s friendship perfectly. It’s a great Friday night family pick that won't make you want to scroll on your phone the whole time.
Ages 6-10 If they finish the Captain Underpants books, Dog Man is the natural next step. It’s a bit more "wholesome" (if you can call a dog-headed cop wholesome) and deals with themes of redemption and doing the right thing, while still keeping the fart jokes intact.
Ages 7-12 This is the "intellectual" cousin of the group. It’s literally a book about how to make comics. It explores different art styles (photography, haiku, painting) and is amazing for kids who have a creative spark.
Check out our guide to the best graphic novels for 2nd graders
- Grades K-1: They might need you to read the books to them. Be prepared to make sound effects.
- Grades 2-4: This is the "Sweet Spot." They’ll likely consume these books like candy. This is where the Captain Underpants manga will really shine.
- Grades 5+: They might start moving on to Percy Jackson or Wings of Fire, but they’ll still probably sneak a read of the new Manga reboot for the nostalgia.
The "Disrespect" Factor
The biggest complaint from parents is that George and Harold are "naughty" or that they make fun of their principal. The Reality: Yes, they pull pranks. But they are also incredibly loyal friends who always end up saving the day. The principal, Mr. Krupp, is a "villain" because he hates laughter and art—two things we actually want our kids to love. It’s a classic "kids vs. the man" trope that has existed since Roald Dahl.
The Spelling
The "comics" within the books often have intentional misspellings (like "advenchure"). The Reality: This is meant to reflect that they are written by 9-year-olds. If you're worried about your kid's spelling, use it as a game: "Can you find the words George and Harold spelled wrong?"
If you’re worried the potty humor is getting out of hand at the dinner table, try these conversation starters:
- "I get that Captain Underpants is hilarious, but let's keep the 'toilet talk' for when we’re reading the book or at home, okay?"
- "George and Harold are great artists. What kind of comic would you draw if you had a treehouse?"
- "Why do you think Mr. Krupp is so grumpy? Do you think he just needs a hobby?"
Ask our chatbot for more tips on managing bathroom humor at home
Captain Underpants isn't literature's greatest masterpiece, but it is a power tool for literacy. Whether it’s the high-octane 2026 Manga reboot or the clever Netflix series, this franchise meets kids exactly where they are.
It’s silly, it’s gross, and it’s a lot of fun. And honestly? In a world of stressful news and complex tech, maybe a superhero in his underwear is exactly what we all need.
- Pre-order the Captain Underpants: The First Epic Manga for an April surprise.
- Watch an episode of The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants with your kid to see the creative animation styles.
- Print some blank comic panels and see if they want to start their own "Comic Club" like in Cat Kid.